Chapter 6 Beyond the Facade

Early in the morning, I nestled into the luxurious confines of my elegantly appointed room within the palace, a designated space reserved for esteemed guests that attended the grand celebrations.

The room's captivating dark theme decor, with rich mahogany furnishings contrasted by deep, jewel-toned fabrics, created a sense of both intimacy and luxury. My favorite aspect of the room was undoubtedly the balcony, framed by intricately carved wooden railings, which presented a breathtaking view of the sprawling gardens below. As the morning light crept in, the vivid blossoms swayed gently in the breeze, their fragrances mingling in the air like a sweet serenade.

As I settled into a plush chair on the balcony, my gaze wandered over the vibrant landscape, where the morning light painted the sky in a gentle glow, casting a warm glow over the lush greenery.

My thoughts drifted to the previous evening—the lavish ball that still felt like a dream than reality. I had stood before a grand assembly, adorned in an exquisite silk gown that shimmered with every movement, and in that pivotal moment, I had made the monumental decision to accept my fate as the mate of Alpha Prince Jayden. The weight of that choice settled heavily upon me, filled with uncertainty and trepidation, yet it sealed my fate in a way that could no longer be undone.

The news of my bond with the prince had spread like wildfire, announced to the world with all the fanfare of royalty. In a month, we would participate in the sacred mating ritual, an ancient ceremony steeped in tradition that would solidify our union and herald our ascension as king and queen. The weight of this impending responsibility loomed heavy in my chest, a complex blend of exhilaration and dread for a destiny I never sought yet found myself irrevocably tied to.

This morning, an attendant arrived to inform me that a simple breakfast banquet was planned for the guests that attended the celebration, but I instructed her to convey that I was indisposed. I didn't want to face anyone or make small talk; I craved solitude.

I've never regarded Prince Jayden as a mate in the way I imagine one should be; to me, he's more like a leader. I think my reluctance stems from my intense yearning for my true mate, a desire shared by all werewolves. Perhaps it's because my parents weren't true mates that why they didn't value the concept. My parents were not a fated mate but a chosen pair, united for their own ambitions. This disconnect likely blinded them to the emotional yearning I felt for my true mate. They prioritized social standing and power over the notion of mating with your fated mate. My father had rejected his true mate, an omega, deeming her too fragile, and instead favored a strong, alpha-blood mate. He pursued strength and prestige, settling for my mother, a woman whose ambitions quickly outweighed any affection she might have felt for her unknown mate. Their union was one of convenience.

As a result, any semblance of genuine feelings between my parents was a facade, expertly crafted for the public eye. To the media and the kingdom, they were depicted as one of the most glamorous and adoring pairs among chosen mates, a dazzling display of unity. But behind closed doors, they were devoid of affection, their relationship lacking warmth and love. I felt like nothing but a mere obligation, brought into existence to fulfill a dream that wasn't mine. The indifference towards me was stark; my mother's investment in her title as Luna far surpassed her interest in nurturing her own child, her maternal instincts seemingly overshadowed by her ambition.

My grandfather, the former Alpha of the Red Moon pack and now a respected member of the Elder Council, had always been a pillar of strength and wisdom for me. The Red Moon pack was renowned and one of the oldest existing packs, built on a legacy of honor and courage. I remembered the countless hours we spent together, listening to his stories and learning from his experiences. His eyes would light up with a fire that seemed to burn brighter with every passing year, and his voice would boom with authority, commanding respect from all who listened.

My grandfather, one of the strongest and kindest elders I'd ever known, treated me with a gentleness that was refreshing amidst the coldness of my parents' ambitions. His kindness often contrasted with my mother's indifference, and he expressed deep regret for the neglect I faced at their hands. I cherished the moments we shared, feeling seen and loved in a way that I never did with my parents.

He carried a heavy burden, lamenting that he had not guided my mother to value love over power. Losing my grandmother, his fated mate, had left its mark on him, which led to neglecting my mother's upbringing, and he often sought to compensate for the parental love my parents could not provide. The thought of leaving him and Amelia behind was almost too much to bear.

As I sat in the chair, lost in the whirlpool of my thoughts, the quiet of my chamber enveloped me in its somber embrace. Suddenly, a gentle knock on my chamber door echoed through the silence, jolting me back to reality. “Come in,” I called out, my voice barely breaking the silence, hoping to shake off the weight of my sorrow.

The door swung open, and Amelia stepped in with a warm smile, bringing a burst of light into the room. Her long, dark hair flowed like a river of silk over her shoulders, the soft rustle of her hair filling the air as she moved. Her cheerful smile radiated warmth, instantly brightening the dim room. She was like a ray of sunshine, illuminating the dark recesses of my mind.

As the daughter of the royal Beta, Amelia was the only companion my parents approved of due to her royal lineage, her father being the king's younger brother and Alpha Prince Jayden's uncle. Yet, this connection came with a heavy weight; Amelia was more than just a friend, she was a constant reminder of the expectations that loomed over me, expectations that had meticulously molded me to one day to be selected as the prince chosen mate. This destiny cast long shadows on my dreams, leaving little room for individuality as every aspect of my life was orchestrated. I often felt trapped in a gilded cage, a sentiment Amelia understood all too well, but what Amelia didn't know was the secret that weighed heavily on my mind: my family's plan to overthrow the royal family. My heart felt heavy with burden because of my family plan, a secret that could change everything between us. What would Amelia say if she knew the Truth? Would she stand by my side and understand my difficulty, or would our friendship crumble?

“Hey, how are you? Why didn't you come to breakfast?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she walked towards me, her presence like a breath of fresh air. Her voice was like music, soothing my frazzled nerves and lifting my spirits. I felt a sense of comfort wash over me as she approached, her warmth and energy infectious.

I managed a faint smile in return. “I’m good, and I just want some time alone,” I replied, despite my words feeling heavy and my face betraying my true feelings. Amelia's brow furrowed as she took a closer look at me, her eyes filled with concern. She studied my expression, her gaze piercing. “I can see that something is bothering you," she said gently, her voice soft and soothing. "You know I’m always here for you, right?” She paused, her eyes locked on mine, waiting for my response.

I nodded, my eyes welling up with tears. “I know,” I whispered, closing my eyes momentarily as I tried to gather my thoughts. The weight of my emotions threatened to overwhelm me, but Amelia's presence was a steady anchor. "I'm just thinking about everything"

She settled beside me, the warmth of her presence like a comforting blanket. Her gentle touch and calm demeanor seemed to wrap around me, offering solace. “I understand how overwhelming it can be," she reassured me gently, her voice a soothing balm to my frazzled nerves.

"Just hold on, okay? Everything will be alright, I promise,” she said, her voice filled with conviction. She met my gaze with a hopeful smile that shone like a beacon in my fog of despair, but the shadows within me – the doubts, fears, and uncertainties – felt insurmountable.

“When will it finally be okay?” I asked with a sigh, looking straight into her eyes, my voice barely above a whisper, cracking with emotion. The words felt like they were ripped from my soul, and I could feel the desperation and frustration emanating from me.